Republic of Chile visas
Chile administers immigration through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) under the 2021 migration reform, Ley 21.325. Most foreigners progress through a tiered system — Permanencia Transitoria, then Residencia Temporal, then Residencia Definitiva — with the headline routes being temporary residence for lawful remunerated work, employment-opportunity seekers, investors, family reunification and students.
5 routes · 2 without a sponsor · 4 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Servicio Nacional de Migraciones ↗ · Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Colegio de Abogados de Chile (CACh) — Professional association and ethics body for lawyers in Chile, including those advising on immigration matters.
Visa routes (5)
Temporary Residence - Lawful Remunerated Activities
Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners coming to Chile to perform lawful paid work under a contract, service contract or job offer.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
Temporary Residence - Job Offer Pathway
Temporary residence pathway for foreigners with a formal Chilean job offer who need to enter Chile and file the employment contract after arrival.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 12 July 2026
Temporary Residence - Investors and Related Personnel
Temporary residence subcategory for investors making a qualifying investment in Chile and for related executive or specialist personnel.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
Temporary Residence - Family Reunification
Temporary residence subcategory for close family members of Chilean citizens or holders of Residencia Definitiva.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
Temporary Residence - Students
Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners studying at education establishments recognised by the Chilean State.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 9 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Chile have?+
We cover 5 Republic of Chile visa routes in these categories: sponsored work, investor, family, and study. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Chile visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
2 of the 5 Republic of Chile routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 3 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Chile visas lead to permanent residence?+
4 of the 5 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in Chile